Home> Assignments > 4-A-2: Wiki Posting: Five Ways to Think about Change
INSTRUCTIONS:
List five ways to think about and address changes in technology in your classroom and school. With each way briefly describe how you plan to apply your thinking with your colleagues.
Before developing your five ways to address change suggestions consider the following:
Considering the list of fears you brainstormed in the previous assignment, what are the common objections and fears your peers or administration may have to changes in technology?
How can you assess if the the objections/fears are valid? How can you educate your peers in determining if these fears and objections are valid?
How can you inspire peers who share similar beliefs and interests to apply changes in technology to their classroom or students' learning?
How can you get peers out of the "Resistance" phase into the "Exploration" phase?
Post your "five ways to address change" in the table below. Review your peers' postings and post at least two comments in the Discussion Tab above.
5 Ways to Address Change
Submitted by:
Provide professional development in technology.
Offering technology sessions in the summer for Act 48 hours might encourage other teachers to learn more about different types of technology. Once they feel comfortable, they will be able to use the new technology on their own in their classrooms.
Model technology lessons and have other teachers come and watch.
If other teachers see how to apply the technology in their classroom, they might be more willing to use it themselves. Many teachers think that technology takes too much time to set-up; however, showing them an efficient classroom using technology might spur their imaginations into the technological age.
Provide a mandatory time during in-service days for working on technology lessons.
The biggest complaint for teachers to include technology pieces into the classroom is the fact that they do not have enough time to work on technology during school hours. Teachers would have to work on a technology lesson during this time to get extra professional development hours. Working on technology during school hours will allow for teachers to get technical questions answered by other staff and colleagues. Some teachers may even be able to collaborate on projects to make them cross-curricular.
Technology Coach/Technology Savvy Person
If the district has a technology coach, teachers could schedule with that person to help them develop lessons that include technology. Teachers will feel more secure if they have one-on-one time developing their lesson. If a techology coach is not possible for a district, the school can appoint an unofficial technology savvy person that is willing to help answer questions and has the know how to do so.
Survey teachers on what kind of technology they would like to learn.
Administrators could survey teachers to see what kinds of technology they would like to learn. This information could drive future professional developments and would provide teachers with topics related to their interests. The trainings would become more valuable for interested teachers.
Courtney Anderson
Address why people don’t want to change
In conversations in the faculty room, through email and in formal presentations, help people get to know the technology you’re trying to implement so they don’t have to fear the unknown. Tell them how you go about doing it so they don’t feel like it’s going to be a lot more work than they’re used to doing. If possible, show them how it can speed things up!
Inform other teachers WHY the change is necessary
Show other teachers all the advantages of using technology – meeting our students’ needs, engaging our classes, putting more responsibility on them, speaking their language, getting them excited about our subject, being more effective, being more efficient
Lead by example and share
Whenever possible, go first and try it out. If you’re able to show others what you did, how you did it and why it made a difference, they’re much more likely to try it as well. Knowing it’s been tried out and gone through a test run is very reassuring and encouraging.
Let the students become the teacher
There is no doubt our students know more about technology than the average adult – get them involved in the brainstorming process for how to incorporate technology and what kinds of things they think would be helpful.
Go to training
Whenever possible, go to technology trainings or ask for them to be included in the options for summer in-service. Advice from the technology coaches is priceless in helping teachers feel comfortable enough to try new things.
Rebecca S
*Update the Curriculum
In order for students to be up-to-date on technology, there is a need to update the curriculum and what teachers will be teaching them. *Create a student simulated model
Have students model for peers/administrators and understand the notion of the technology being used. *Give teachers more time to learn about the technology
We obviously cannot create more time in the day, but teachers can be given more time to learn about their technology. Allow planning time for
teachers to ask questions and give summer hours for exploration. *Open up a new tech position
If changes are going to keep coming in technology, hire someone with an education tech background to look up information on a day to day basis for changes in technology. Allow them to bring to light the new ideas and present them during professional development days. *Keep an open mind If educators and students alike keep an open mind to change and address any questions they have to begin with, it will make for smoother sailing as the lessons associated with technology begin.
Allie Pierce
~Develop a Plan
Julie Breitfelder
In order for changes in technology to be successful, it is important to create a plan in the beginning. What are the short term and long term goals? What steps are necessary to realistically achieve these goals? What specifically needs to be done to get everyone on board with the idea? Great ideas can fizzle quickly without a definite plan of action in place.
~Provide Relevant Information to Staff, Parents, School Board Members, etc.
Regardless of differences of opinions among staff, parents, and other decision makers, one thing is certain - all participants want their children to have a quality education and a bright future. In this class alone, we have seen some eye-opening videos about the traits and needs of the Net Generation and read statistics and other pieces of information that point to a direction of change. I think it is important to present the facts and concerns to the staff, parents, school board members, etc. in an attempt to get most everyone on the 'same sheet of music".
~Provide practical technology usage ideas and lessons to staff
Because the idea of integrating technology can be intimidating to many staff members, I think that providing and modeling practical ideas could be very beneficial. Most teachers enjoy sharing successful lesson ideas and collaborating with one another. Using a professional in-service to present practical examples of technology use in the classroom could cut down on resistance levles and actually get teachers excited to give it a try.
~Give teachers practice time
Teachers need time to experiment with technology. With specific direction and some allotted time for practice, teachers could feel more comfortable making changes in the classroom. Professional in-services could allot time for teachers to get hands-on practice with technology.
~Encourage a Learning Atmosphere
Change can be stressful. I think it is important to encourage trial and error in a learning atmosphere. In my opinion, there will be better results if the technology process isn't viewed as a high-stakes situation. Teachers are frequently being asked to take on new roles or incorporate one more thing into their teaching time. I think it is important that technology is not viewed as a fad, but as a new direction that is necessary to learn. The Boomer teachers will be more receptive to change if it is presented with a positive and helpful tone.
1.Accept that technology is going to change the way student learn and how teachers teach.
Teachers can go and observe other teachers that are currently using technology in their classroom. This will give them a better idea that technology is here to help aid in their teaching 2. Technology Training
Teacher will not use any type of technology if they are not comfortable with it. There needs to be training and time to play around for teachers to use it as a teaching tool. There will need to be a tech person that could help the teachers that still need help when the training is over. 3. Appropriate technology tools
Teachers need help with finding the appropriate technology tools that they could use in the classroom. Teachers could bookmark a list of tech tools in a place that is easily accessible for other to use. An example would be the web site Delicious. 4. People who resist technology in the classroom
There are some parents, administrators, school boards, and teachers who think that technology will not help students learn. By inviting these people into the classroom where tech is being used will hopefully change their minds. If we can get them on board, then maybe there will be more money to keep the technology up to date. 5. What do teacher want to learn
Teachers want to use technology that is relevant to what they are teaching. One might put out a questionnaire to find out what teachers want to learn. There are some teachers that want to start out with the basic technology. While others want to learn a higher level of technology they could use in their classroom. This would make the teachers more willing to use technology in their classes
Michael Hamed
Look at the student as a valuable resource- The school can provide teachers with a tech savvy student to assist them when using technology or planning for the use of technology. Time can be allocated during study hall for this collaboration. The teacher can ask the student for advice on what tools to use and what might engage their students. Think of technology as a tool- Provide teachers with an in-service on how to utilize technology tools that are available to them. Explain that technology is not another subject for them to teach. It should make their job easier not harder. Most teachers do not know what technology is available to them and an in-service can open their eyes to the resources the district has.
Remember that you are not alone! Create an online forum for teachers within the district to go to with their comments, questions, stories about experiences with technology use in their classroom. Teachers will be able to assist each other and ease into the use of technology by sharing ideas and questions among their peers. Have the technology director be a daily voice in the forum for any advice or for answering the questions posed.
What do you need? Create an online survey asking teachers what they want help with, or what tools they would like to use in their classrooms. Hearing feedback from teachers can guide the technology department in choosing where to spend their money and where not to spend. Giving the teachers a voice will get them to analyze what they could use if it was available to them.
Explore with out fear- Allow time during an in-service day devoted to just exploring the tools available to them, the Internet resources available, or their online textbooks they may not have time to explore otherwise. No assignments due, just exploration time.
Michole Pignato
How to Address Change: 1. Explain Why Change is Necessary
If we want to address change, we first need to explain why the change is needed. When we are told to do something new, some faculty members immediately question the real importance or need for the change. (For example: My district just changed the format in which we need to submit lesson plans. Faculty immediately started asking: Why? Who does this change affect? What difference does it make? What is the point of this change?) Therefore, I think the need for the change should be addressed first. A presentation should be presented to the faculty explaining the importance of using technology to teach the net generation. 2. Share Success Stories
Others are more willing to trying new things if they know it is possible. Some in my building (mostly older teachers) completely shut down when technology is mentioned. I think after you have established the need like mentioned above, then you need to build the confidence. If you share success stories, others will be more likely to try for themselves. For the situation in my building, I would like to find a story about an older teacher overcoming their fears of technology and making a real difference for students in the classroom. This would hopefully build confidence for others who were like her to try. 3. Provide Tech Time
One morning faculty meeting per week could be Tech Morning. (At my school, we have a half hour meeting every day. Two days are grade level, one day is curriculum, one is for the entire staff with the principal, and the last is for parent conferences. Instead of two days being grade level, one could be a technology oriented meeting.) Faculty could share websites, ideas, activities, lesson plans, etc. Maybe we could even get some guest speakers to come in and help educated us on resources that are available for us or student. Providing time for exploration and idea sharing is essential for change to happen. 4. Provide Support
Create a group of teachers who are comfortable with and use technology. They could then help out others in their team, grade, and/or school. Those who have questions should feel comfortable going to this group for help. Faculty may feel more comfortable asking for help if they know that person is willing to help. 5. Allow Student Recommendations
Have teachers ask students to find resources on the web that could enhance the lesson. This could be a homework or extra credit assignment given to students. Then allow a few minutes per week for students to share what they discovered. Students could show us something on the web (like an article or video) or suggest a technology lesson to try. After reviewing it, we could try to incorporate it in a lesson.
1. PLC Time
In our school we have PLC (Professional Learning Communities) meetings every Monday. Working together as a department to learn who is using technology in their classroom can be beneficial for everyone. By sharing in a small group, this can help teachers feel comfortable sharing examples and expressing their concerns with using technology in their lessons without having to share in a large group.
2. Provide a staff inservice day.
Once our school has spent a few weeks in our small PLC groups, we could then use an inservice day to share with the entire school what we are doing in our departments. This way we are able to share our own experiences and examples we use in our classroom. By sharing examples, teachers can apply what they have learned into their own classroom. In addition, provide time during the inservice to train teachers on using the technology. This way teachers can feel comfortable using the technology and ask appropriate questions rather than having to learn on their own.
3. Educate Parents
Take some time on Back to School night and educate parents on how they can help use technology in their homes. Parents need to be involved and learn what we are doing in our classrooms. Using parent portals and emailing teachers regularly could be a start. This will also help teachers begin to use technology on a more frequent basis. For example, teachers could start using websites for parents to access if their child is absent.
4. Provide feedback
Have teachers take a survey online to express their concerns, fears, or accomplishments using technology. Once we get the results back from the survey, we can begin analyzing the results and help teachers over come their fears of using technology in their classroom.
5. Use our students as resources
Develop a student tech advisory committee who would be willing to work with teachers at an inservice to help guide them with new technology. The advisory committee could work with the teachers who have their reservations about incorporating technology into their classroom
Alicia Langmayer
Training – Teachers must have in-service and time to come into the exploration phase. They are used to be taught and don’t problem solve as well as the students they are teaching. They need to learn the basics and then be able to explore. Our school is doing a half an hour session after school to train teachers. It is voluntary however, so many of the teachers that are in the resistance phase or in denial, don’t participate. Sharing – Teachers must have a way to share ideas. Teachers need time to go into others’ classrooms to get ideas of what they are using and decide how they could use it in their classrooms. A forum is also a good idea to use within a district. Teachers can also find great lesson ideas online. There are many teacher forums there for teachers to use and share. Incorporating a tech coach – we have a tech coach that goes into the classrooms and helps teachers design and set up lessons using technology. He is young, motivated and passionate about it. He gets so excited that it makes the teachers excited to incorporate it into the lesson planning. I think this is so important. Everyone needs a cheerleader! Incorporating students – Encourage students to tell teachers when they know of technology that could enhance a lesson. They often will tell teachers about a program or a video they have seen. They are great technology tools, and teachers need to use them more often. Incorporating technology to enhance learning – I think it’s very important to incorporate technology to enhance what is being learned, not just to have it there for the sake of fun or to get the kids excited. It has to be something that engages learners in the classroom to the lesson or concept being taught.
Patti S.
Give yourself or fellow teachers time to “Play with Technology”
I plan to apply this thinking with colleagues by introducing them to programs that I have found useful in my classroom. To alleviate their concerns, I will let them know about some of the highlights of these programs and how I use the programs in my class. This will address one of the major problems that I have found with technology which is that it is usually just thrust upon teachers without time for professional development. I will tell them that I learned how to use the programs from just playing around with the features and will tell them to just play around with them and to contact me if they need help. Kapp in his presentation strongly advocated “playing with technology.” By playing with technology teachers will be able to include new approaches into their classroom and they will be able to “present information to the gamers using multiple forms of delivery” (Kapp, 2007, p. 227).
Do something different “Trial and Error”
I plan to encourage my fellow teachers to not be afraid of technology and plan to show them some programs in the classroom that I am using. I will explain to the teachers that they use “trial and error” every single day in their classroom, when they deploy their lesson. This will show them that integrating technology is just like what they do every single day. I will then give them a short list of three programs that they might want to incorporate into a lesson. I will have them pick one and have them test it out to see if it increases student engagement. As stated in Kapp (2007) teachers should “provide gamers with the flexibility of trying new approaches because they are comfortable using trial-and-error techniques to achieve a goal” (p. 242). In order to understand the students we should put ourselves in their shoes and do what they do. Using the trial and error approach will allow teachers to do this.
Develop a group of “like-minded” teachers
I will look for other teachers who are also training teachers and who have similar goals with implementing technology. I will look to share with them and to create a Wiki in which we can share our ideas. I will also try to have face-to-face time with them to bounce off ideas and to get suggestions. In order to teach a gamer you must think like a gamer. According to Kapp (2007) “gamers need to be connected and like to exchange information and knowledge with each other” (p. 233). Teachers must embrace this and must create and share their struggles and successes with other colleagues who are integrating technology.
Explore how other schools are integrating technology in your immediate area (subject area) or (neighboring districts)
I will show teachers in my district how other teachers in their content area are using certain technologies to engage students and to integrate technology into their lesson. This will allow for the technologies to have greater relevance for them. Teachers like observability and like to see someone else doing it (Kapp,). In addition I will have the teachers speak with teachers in neighboring districts to see what they are working on in the district nearby. This will also show how technology must be integrated and that its use is spreading.
Allow yourself to learn from students, make them the “gurus”. Don’t be afraid to learn from an expert (your student)
I will have teachers begin to work on a new technology and then will have a group of trained students teach and assist the teachers in learning the new technology. As stated in Kapp (2007) “many boomer teachers and professors are intimidated by students who are savvier about technology than they are” (p.228). By showing the teachers that a teacher that is proficient in technology can learn from students it will allow the skeptical teachers to be more accepting of having their students assist with technology instruction and integration in their classroom. As stated in Hopkins (2005) children can become “a computer guru” and can help to train other teachers and students.
Kapp, K. M. (Performer) (n.d.). Presentation: Managing change and technology adoption Dealing with change. [Video podcast]. Retrieved from http://breeze.bloomu.edu/change/
Kapp, K. M. (2007). Gadgets, games, and gizmos for learning. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.
Michael P.
1. Educate teachers on how the Net Generation learns
By allowing teachers to understand how their new generation of students learn, it will help them to see the importance of integrating not only new technology, but new teaching styles in order to reach these learners. This will help teachers get over the idea that integrating new technology is simple adding extra work to their already full load and realize how it will help their students to be more successful.
2. Start small with a group of teachers eager to learn
Good ideas spread. Therefore, instead of making a new technology initiative district wide right away, it would be better to "pilot" the program with a core group of teachers already eager to grow in their use of technology. Once these teachers have become successful in it and other teachers are able to see it at work in their classrooms, they will be more open to learning and applying these new programs in their classrooms.
3. Help Instill Confidence with Hands-On Approach
One quality of the Net Generation is that they have a high level of confidence when it comes to using new technology. This confidence comes from a "failing forward" mindset, where learners are willing to try something new and if they fail it they learn and move on to try something else. Boomers are not as apt to have this attitude and therefore are unwillingly to try because of the fear of failure. Allowing teachers to play with new technology in a no-pressure environment can help them gain confidence and practice the trial and error method that can then help them in using the program on their own.
4. Accessible Support
No matter how adept the teacher is in technology, they will inevitably run into problems when implementing new technology. Therefore, having support staff that is easily accessible will allow them to solve problems as they go instead of giving them. This can be an actual IT help desk, a guru teacher in the building, or even students who are especially gifted in this area. Having all of these available to new technology learners will give them easy access to the knowledge they need.
5. Tie technology to current curriculum
As stated before, teachers don't appreciate change that is made just for change's sake and will add to their work load. What they do want, are practical changes that will fit into their current teaching practices and curriculum. This way, teachers don't have to search for ways to incorporate the technology into what they're already doing, with the fear of removing something important from their curriculum.
Kate B.
1. Inform Why Change is Necessary
In order to help our colleagues accept the changes they are about to encounter, they need to understand why the change is necessary. The net Generation needs a new way to learn that is different from previous generations. There will definitely be resistance to this change because they are used to teaching the way they have always taught, but they must understand this change is necessary for their students to be successful.
2. Change is a Journey
There is no one that has all of the answers to the changes that are taking place. This change is a problem-rich process that will involve many people working together to solve the unknowns. They must work through the process together to come up with a solution that works for everyone.
3. Build Alliances
Again, it's important not to go through this journey alone. Teachers must find other teachers who can support them and help them when they need it. Along with other teachers, they should get to know the "tech specialists" within their buildings that can help them and their colleagues when they have tried to solve the problem together but are still stuck. There is nothing wrong with admitting that you can't solve the problem at hand.
4. Play with Technology
It's important that schools find time for their teachers to play or experiment with the technology. Clicking the wrong button will not cause your computer to implode. It's okay to "learn" as you go. If schools give their teachers this valuable time with each other to learn the technology they will be more willing to try it out and feel confident in front of their students while using it.
5. Different Levels of Expertise
Not everyone will be on the same level and that too is okay and important. The younger crowd of teachers will more likely be more advanced and confident than the Boomer teachers. It's important for the younger crowd to be willing to help the Boomers learn how to effectively use technology in their lessons. At the same time, it's valuable for the Boomers to be willing to admit they need help and to accept the help from the younger teachers.
Brian H
1. Expose teachers to what is available.
-Instead of having teachers research and search for ideas and new technology uses on their own time, provide them with technology ideas. This would be in a form of a bi-weekly newsletter about ideas and uses for technology. This will help with the issue of time of searching for ideas.
2. Provide time to explore the new technology and ideas.
-There is a need for teachers to work with any new technology or ideas. However, a teacher's time is limited and there needs to be a time set aside to specifically "play" with the technology instead of expecting teachers to fit it into their schedules.
3. Availability of technology
-Due to funding and resources, not all the technology is available to a teacher. This is especially true in the hardware department in that every student has access to laptops and other relevant equipment. Most of the available Web 2.0 tools are available free and are internet based. Therefore, there should be a concentration on seeking equipment through grants and other resources. In addition, the advertisement of the available equipment in the district should be properly done. Many teachers are not always aware as to what is available.
4. Online Professional Development
-Professional Development is very important in insuring that teachers are aware of up to date procedures and changes in philosophy and teaching practices. However, with time constraints providing the professional development online is the wave of the future. This will all for teachers to participate in professional development at their own pace. It is important to contribute to the professional development opportunities by contributing to ideas.
5. Tackling online plagiarism
-With students having such a large amount of access to online resources and information, it is important to monitor what students are submitting as their own work. It is important to tackle this problem by providing teachers with knowledge of what the online plagiarism can consist of as well as online sources and software to help teachers identify when a student is plagiarizing. Students also need to be educated on plagiarizing via using online resources.
Nichole K
1. To address technology properly, all computer labs must be kept in a standard setup. In prior versions of windows, the school was able to keep a standard setup of Microsoft Office. Students were able to use this software either from their hard drive or from the network drives (physically located in another room). After students made changes to the computer (through Control Pad or the actual program). Previously, after starting a computer, only defaults were saved and the next user opened up each program with the previous student’s customizations. For instance, when students change the theme or colors and the standard default is not reset/reinstalled, students sit at desks that have pointers set as large black arrows, small white arrows, dancing dinosaurs, cross hairs, or pens. This makes it very difficult to teach a class when I do not know what to call the pointer and even more difficult for the new student who has no idea what to look for. Within each program, introduce specific options that can be changed to a new default by the user. There currently is no forum for the teachers to discuss their problems. It is important that all teachers who share the same labs to communicate so they can discuss any unique problems to their labs/equipment.
2. Understand the unique needs of each generation in learning environments. Surprisingly, our college offers educational opportunity to four generations (taught be three generations). Colleges currently teach the Great Generation (ages 67-88), the Baby Boomers (ages 50-66), the Generation X (ages 30-50), and the Millennials (ages 10-20). Because of these unique groups, classes need to be offered during days or nights, but now also on weekends. Since cross generational learning touches global audiences and cross cultural learning, a diversified faculty is also important. Courses change consistently to accommodate degrees, professional development, social and community issue discussions, youth programs, alumni learning and even specialized handicap adaptation to computers (larger monitors, speaking keyboards, large keyboard letters and magnifying features.
3. Develop strategies for teaching to include technology-infused learning in their educational environment. "Technology needs to become a tool for learning, not another subject to teach," Campbell patiently explained. "As a teacher, your primary goal is to use technology to supplement learning -- rather than teaching technology in isolation." Too many teachers feel they are to teach technology, rather than use technology to teach their subject. Technology should never take the place of a subject, but it can enhance and reinforce your teachings. Games are introduced as part of computer technology because this is one way the Net Generation learns without even realizing it (Training Teachers).
4. Train all teachers on new software. Make the time to train all of your teachers to use the software. All teachers should be required to attend in-house software training classes as part of staff training, thus eliminating the cost of sending teachers to expensive training courses elsewhere. It's a good situation for all involved. The importance of teachers reaching fluency in technology directly correlates with comprehension which directly corresponds with understanding. "Again, lack of training leads to lack of understanding," said Wagner, adding with a smile (Training Teachers).
5. Considering the fears some may experience in response to technological change, what are the common objections your peers or administration may have to changes in technology? Objection to technology usage often is the result of fears concerning Internet safety. Students should be provided with safe guidance in using technology. This is usually also one of the common concerns of parents. Parents are concerned that their children will view inappropriate material while on the Internet. They worry about infringement of privacy and how to keep their children safe from Internet predators. The school needs to establish regulations Internet safety and an Acceptable Use Policy. (Gadgets).
Home > Assignments > 4-A-2: Wiki Posting: Five Ways to Think about Change
INSTRUCTIONS:
List five ways to think about and address changes in technology in your classroom and school. With each way briefly describe how you plan to apply your thinking with your colleagues.
Before developing your five ways to address change suggestions consider the following:
Post your "five ways to address change" in the table below. Review your peers' postings and post at least two comments in the Discussion Tab above.
5 Ways to Address Change
Submitted by:
- Provide professional development in technology.
Offering technology sessions in the summer for Act 48 hours might encourage other teachers to learn more about different types of technology. Once they feel comfortable, they will be able to use the new technology on their own in their classrooms.- Model technology lessons and have other teachers come and watch.
If other teachers see how to apply the technology in their classroom, they might be more willing to use it themselves. Many teachers think that technology takes too much time to set-up; however, showing them an efficient classroom using technology might spur their imaginations into the technological age.- Provide a mandatory time during in-service days for working on technology lessons.
The biggest complaint for teachers to include technology pieces into the classroom is the fact that they do not have enough time to work on technology during school hours. Teachers would have to work on a technology lesson during this time to get extra professional development hours. Working on technology during school hours will allow for teachers to get technical questions answered by other staff and colleagues. Some teachers may even be able to collaborate on projects to make them cross-curricular.- Technology Coach/Technology Savvy Person
If the district has a technology coach, teachers could schedule with that person to help them develop lessons that include technology. Teachers will feel more secure if they have one-on-one time developing their lesson. If a techology coach is not possible for a district, the school can appoint an unofficial technology savvy person that is willing to help answer questions and has the know how to do so.- Survey teachers on what kind of technology they would like to learn.
Administrators could survey teachers to see what kinds of technology they would like to learn. This information could drive future professional developments and would provide teachers with topics related to their interests. The trainings would become more valuable for interested teachers.Address why people don’t want to change
In conversations in the faculty room, through email and in formal presentations, help people get to know the technology you’re trying to implement so they don’t have to fear the unknown. Tell them how you go about doing it so they don’t feel like it’s going to be a lot more work than they’re used to doing. If possible, show them how it can speed things up!
Inform other teachers WHY the change is necessary
Show other teachers all the advantages of using technology – meeting our students’ needs, engaging our classes, putting more responsibility on them, speaking their language, getting them excited about our subject, being more effective, being more efficient
Lead by example and share
Whenever possible, go first and try it out. If you’re able to show others what you did, how you did it and why it made a difference, they’re much more likely to try it as well. Knowing it’s been tried out and gone through a test run is very reassuring and encouraging.
Let the students become the teacher
There is no doubt our students know more about technology than the average adult – get them involved in the brainstorming process for how to incorporate technology and what kinds of things they think would be helpful.
Go to training
Whenever possible, go to technology trainings or ask for them to be included in the options for summer in-service. Advice from the technology coaches is priceless in helping teachers feel comfortable enough to try new things.
In order for students to be up-to-date on technology, there is a need to update the curriculum and what teachers will be teaching them.
*Create a student simulated model
Have students model for peers/administrators and understand the notion of the technology being used.
*Give teachers more time to learn about the technology
We obviously cannot create more time in the day, but teachers can be given more time to learn about their technology. Allow planning time for
teachers to ask questions and give summer hours for exploration.
*Open up a new tech position
If changes are going to keep coming in technology, hire someone with an education tech background to look up information on a day to day basis for changes in technology. Allow them to bring to light the new ideas and present them during professional development days.
*Keep an open mind
If educators and students alike keep an open mind to change and address any questions they have to begin with, it will make for smoother sailing
as the lessons associated with technology begin.
Teachers can go and observe other teachers that are currently using technology in their classroom. This will give them a better idea that technology is here to help aid in their teaching
2. Technology Training
Teacher will not use any type of technology if they are not comfortable with it. There needs to be training and time to play around for teachers to use it as a teaching tool. There will need to be a tech person that could help the teachers that still need help when the training is over.
3. Appropriate technology tools
Teachers need help with finding the appropriate technology tools that they could use in the classroom. Teachers could bookmark a list of tech tools in a place that is easily accessible for other to use. An example would be the web site Delicious.
4. People who resist technology in the classroom
There are some parents, administrators, school boards, and teachers who think that technology will not help students learn. By inviting these people into the classroom where tech is being used will hopefully change their minds. If we can get them on board, then maybe there will be more money to keep the technology up to date.
5. What do teacher want to learn
Teachers want to use technology that is relevant to what they are teaching. One might put out a questionnaire to find out what teachers want to learn. There are some teachers that want to start out with the basic technology. While others want to learn a higher level of technology they could use in their classroom. This would make the teachers more willing to use technology in their classes
The school can provide teachers with a tech savvy student to assist them when using technology or planning for the use of technology. Time can be allocated during study hall for this collaboration. The teacher can ask the student for advice on what tools to use and what might engage their students.
Think of technology as a tool-
Provide teachers with an in-service on how to utilize technology tools that are available to them. Explain that technology is not another subject for them to teach. It should make their job easier not harder. Most teachers do not know what technology is available to them and an in-service can open their eyes to the resources the district has.
Remember that you are not alone!
Create an online forum for teachers within the district to go to with their comments, questions, stories about experiences with technology use in their classroom. Teachers will be able to assist each other and ease into the use of technology by sharing ideas and questions among their peers. Have the technology director be a daily voice in the forum for any advice or for answering the questions posed.
What do you need?
Create an online survey asking teachers what they want help with, or what tools they would like to use in their classrooms. Hearing feedback from teachers can guide the technology department in choosing where to spend their money and where not to spend. Giving the teachers a voice will get them to analyze what they could use if it was available to them.
Explore with out fear-
Allow time during an in-service day devoted to just exploring the tools available to them, the Internet resources available, or their online textbooks they may not have time to explore otherwise. No assignments due, just exploration time.
1. Explain Why Change is Necessary
If we want to address change, we first need to explain why the change is needed. When we are told to do something new, some faculty members immediately question the real importance or need for the change. (For example: My district just changed the format in which we need to submit lesson plans. Faculty immediately started asking: Why? Who does this change affect? What difference does it make? What is the point of this change?) Therefore, I think the need for the change should be addressed first. A presentation should be presented to the faculty explaining the importance of using technology to teach the net generation.
2. Share Success Stories
Others are more willing to trying new things if they know it is possible. Some in my building (mostly older teachers) completely shut down when technology is mentioned. I think after you have established the need like mentioned above, then you need to build the confidence. If you share success stories, others will be more likely to try for themselves. For the situation in my building, I would like to find a story about an older teacher overcoming their fears of technology and making a real difference for students in the classroom. This would hopefully build confidence for others who were like her to try.
3. Provide Tech Time
One morning faculty meeting per week could be Tech Morning. (At my school, we have a half hour meeting every day. Two days are grade level, one day is curriculum, one is for the entire staff with the principal, and the last is for parent conferences. Instead of two days being grade level, one could be a technology oriented meeting.) Faculty could share websites, ideas, activities, lesson plans, etc. Maybe we could even get some guest speakers to come in and help educated us on resources that are available for us or student. Providing time for exploration and idea sharing is essential for change to happen.
4. Provide Support
Create a group of teachers who are comfortable with and use technology. They could then help out others in their team, grade, and/or school. Those who have questions should feel comfortable going to this group for help. Faculty may feel more comfortable asking for help if they know that person is willing to help.
5. Allow Student Recommendations
Have teachers ask students to find resources on the web that could enhance the lesson. This could be a homework or extra credit assignment given to students. Then allow a few minutes per week for students to share what they discovered. Students could show us something on the web (like an article or video) or suggest a technology lesson to try. After reviewing it, we could try to incorporate it in a lesson.
In our school we have PLC (Professional Learning Communities) meetings every Monday. Working together as a department to learn who is using technology in their classroom can be beneficial for everyone. By sharing in a small group, this can help teachers feel comfortable sharing examples and expressing their concerns with using technology in their lessons without having to share in a large group.
2. Provide a staff inservice day.
Once our school has spent a few weeks in our small PLC groups, we could then use an inservice day to share with the entire school what we are doing in our departments. This way we are able to share our own experiences and examples we use in our classroom. By sharing examples, teachers can apply what they have learned into their own classroom. In addition, provide time during the inservice to train teachers on using the technology. This way teachers can feel comfortable using the technology and ask appropriate questions rather than having to learn on their own.
3. Educate Parents
Take some time on Back to School night and educate parents on how they can help use technology in their homes. Parents need to be involved and learn what we are doing in our classrooms. Using parent portals and emailing teachers regularly could be a start. This will also help teachers begin to use technology on a more frequent basis. For example, teachers could start using websites for parents to access if their child is absent.
4. Provide feedback
Have teachers take a survey online to express their concerns, fears, or accomplishments using technology. Once we get the results back from the survey, we can begin analyzing the results and help teachers over come their fears of using technology in their classroom.
5. Use our students as resources
Develop a student tech advisory committee who would be willing to work with teachers at an inservice to help guide them with new technology. The advisory committee could work with the teachers who have their reservations about incorporating technology into their classroom
Sharing – Teachers must have a way to share ideas. Teachers need time to go into others’ classrooms to get ideas of what they are using and decide how they could use it in their classrooms. A forum is also a good idea to use within a district. Teachers can also find great lesson ideas online. There are many teacher forums there for teachers to use and share.
Incorporating a tech coach – we have a tech coach that goes into the classrooms and helps teachers design and set up lessons using technology. He is young, motivated and passionate about it. He gets so excited that it makes the teachers excited to incorporate it into the lesson planning. I think this is so important. Everyone needs a cheerleader!
Incorporating students – Encourage students to tell teachers when they know of technology that could enhance a lesson. They often will tell teachers about a program or a video they have seen. They are great technology tools, and teachers need to use them more often.
Incorporating technology to enhance learning – I think it’s very important to incorporate technology to enhance what is being learned, not just to have it there for the sake of fun or to get the kids excited. It has to be something that engages learners in the classroom to the lesson or concept being taught.
Hopkins, G. (2005). Training teachers who are terrorized by technology. Education World, Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr176.shtml
Kapp, K. M. (Performer) (n.d.). Presentation: Managing change and technology adoption Dealing with change. [Video podcast]. Retrieved from http://breeze.bloomu.edu/change/
Kapp, K. M. (2007). Gadgets, games, and gizmos for learning. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.
By allowing teachers to understand how their new generation of students learn, it will help them to see the importance of integrating not only new technology, but new teaching styles in order to reach these learners. This will help teachers get over the idea that integrating new technology is simple adding extra work to their already full load and realize how it will help their students to be more successful.
2. Start small with a group of teachers eager to learn
Good ideas spread. Therefore, instead of making a new technology initiative district wide right away, it would be better to "pilot" the program with a core group of teachers already eager to grow in their use of technology. Once these teachers have become successful in it and other teachers are able to see it at work in their classrooms, they will be more open to learning and applying these new programs in their classrooms.
3. Help Instill Confidence with Hands-On Approach
One quality of the Net Generation is that they have a high level of confidence when it comes to using new technology. This confidence comes from a "failing forward" mindset, where learners are willing to try something new and if they fail it they learn and move on to try something else. Boomers are not as apt to have this attitude and therefore are unwillingly to try because of the fear of failure. Allowing teachers to play with new technology in a no-pressure environment can help them gain confidence and practice the trial and error method that can then help them in using the program on their own.
4. Accessible Support
No matter how adept the teacher is in technology, they will inevitably run into problems when implementing new technology. Therefore, having support staff that is easily accessible will allow them to solve problems as they go instead of giving them. This can be an actual IT help desk, a guru teacher in the building, or even students who are especially gifted in this area. Having all of these available to new technology learners will give them easy access to the knowledge they need.
5. Tie technology to current curriculum
As stated before, teachers don't appreciate change that is made just for change's sake and will add to their work load. What they do want, are practical changes that will fit into their current teaching practices and curriculum. This way, teachers don't have to search for ways to incorporate the technology into what they're already doing, with the fear of removing something important from their curriculum.
In order to help our colleagues accept the changes they are about to encounter, they need to understand why the change is necessary. The net Generation needs a new way to learn that is different from previous generations. There will definitely be resistance to this change because they are used to teaching the way they have always taught, but they must understand this change is necessary for their students to be successful.
2. Change is a Journey
There is no one that has all of the answers to the changes that are taking place. This change is a problem-rich process that will involve many people working together to solve the unknowns. They must work through the process together to come up with a solution that works for everyone.
3. Build Alliances
Again, it's important not to go through this journey alone. Teachers must find other teachers who can support them and help them when they need it. Along with other teachers, they should get to know the "tech specialists" within their buildings that can help them and their colleagues when they have tried to solve the problem together but are still stuck. There is nothing wrong with admitting that you can't solve the problem at hand.
4. Play with Technology
It's important that schools find time for their teachers to play or experiment with the technology. Clicking the wrong button will not cause your computer to implode. It's okay to "learn" as you go. If schools give their teachers this valuable time with each other to learn the technology they will be more willing to try it out and feel confident in front of their students while using it.
5. Different Levels of Expertise
Not everyone will be on the same level and that too is okay and important. The younger crowd of teachers will more likely be more advanced and confident than the Boomer teachers. It's important for the younger crowd to be willing to help the Boomers learn how to effectively use technology in their lessons. At the same time, it's valuable for the Boomers to be willing to admit they need help and to accept the help from the younger teachers.
-Instead of having teachers research and search for ideas and new technology uses on their own time, provide them with technology ideas. This would be in a form of a bi-weekly newsletter about ideas and uses for technology. This will help with the issue of time of searching for ideas.
2. Provide time to explore the new technology and ideas.
-There is a need for teachers to work with any new technology or ideas. However, a teacher's time is limited and there needs to be a time set aside to specifically "play" with the technology instead of expecting teachers to fit it into their schedules.
3. Availability of technology
-Due to funding and resources, not all the technology is available to a teacher. This is especially true in the hardware department in that every student has access to laptops and other relevant equipment. Most of the available Web 2.0 tools are available free and are internet based. Therefore, there should be a concentration on seeking equipment through grants and other resources. In addition, the advertisement of the available equipment in the district should be properly done. Many teachers are not always aware as to what is available.
4. Online Professional Development
-Professional Development is very important in insuring that teachers are aware of up to date procedures and changes in philosophy and teaching practices. However, with time constraints providing the professional development online is the wave of the future. This will all for teachers to participate in professional development at their own pace. It is important to contribute to the professional development opportunities by contributing to ideas.
5. Tackling online plagiarism
-With students having such a large amount of access to online resources and information, it is important to monitor what students are submitting as their own work. It is important to tackle this problem by providing teachers with knowledge of what the online plagiarism can consist of as well as online sources and software to help teachers identify when a student is plagiarizing. Students also need to be educated on plagiarizing via using online resources.
In prior versions of windows, the school was able to keep a standard setup of Microsoft Office. Students were able to use this software either from their hard drive or from the network drives (physically located in another room). After students made changes to the computer (through Control Pad or the actual program). Previously, after starting a computer, only defaults were saved and the next user opened up each program with the previous student’s customizations. For instance, when students change the theme or colors and the standard default is not reset/reinstalled, students sit at desks that have pointers set as large black arrows, small white arrows, dancing dinosaurs, cross hairs, or pens. This makes it very difficult to teach a class when I do not know what to call the pointer and even more difficult for the new student who has no idea what to look for. Within each program, introduce specific options that can be changed to a new default by the user. There currently is no forum for the teachers to discuss their problems. It is important that all teachers who share the same labs to communicate so they can discuss any unique problems to their labs/equipment.
2. Understand the unique needs of each generation in learning environments.
Surprisingly, our college offers educational opportunity to four generations (taught be three generations). Colleges currently teach the Great Generation (ages 67-88), the Baby Boomers (ages 50-66), the Generation X (ages 30-50), and the Millennials (ages 10-20). Because of these unique groups, classes need to be offered during days or nights, but now also on weekends. Since cross generational learning touches global audiences and cross cultural learning, a diversified faculty is also important. Courses change consistently to accommodate degrees, professional development, social and community issue discussions, youth programs, alumni learning and even specialized handicap adaptation to computers (larger monitors, speaking keyboards, large keyboard letters and magnifying features.
3. Develop strategies for teaching to include technology-infused learning in their educational environment.
"Technology needs to become a tool for learning, not another subject to teach," Campbell patiently explained. "As a teacher, your primary goal is to use technology to supplement learning -- rather than teaching technology in isolation." Too many teachers feel they are to teach technology, rather than use technology to teach their subject. Technology should never take the place of a subject, but it can enhance and reinforce your teachings. Games are introduced as part of computer technology because this is one way the Net Generation learns without even realizing it (Training Teachers).
4. Train all teachers on new software.
Make the time to train all of your teachers to use the software. All teachers should be required to attend in-house software training classes as part of staff training, thus eliminating the cost of sending teachers to expensive training courses elsewhere. It's a good situation for all involved. The importance of teachers reaching fluency in technology directly correlates with comprehension which directly corresponds with understanding. "Again, lack of training leads to lack of understanding," said Wagner, adding with a smile (Training Teachers).
5. Considering the fears some may experience in response to technological change, what are the common objections your peers or administration may have to changes in technology?
Objection to technology usage often is the result of fears concerning Internet safety. Students should be provided with safe guidance in using technology. This is usually also one of the common concerns of parents. Parents are concerned that their children will view inappropriate material while on the Internet. They worry about infringement of privacy and how to keep their children safe from Internet predators. The school needs to establish regulations Internet safety and an Acceptable Use Policy. (Gadgets).